Tonight's four contenders all come from the south and west of England and compete in the drama theatre of the College of St Mark and St John, Plymouth.
Mira Little (retired) The life and films of Greta Garbo
Steve Priestley (House of Commons clerk) Sino-Soviet relations, 1949-1976
Joy Thwaytes (lecturer and writer) John Stow and his survey of London
Geoffrey Dearnley (retired headmaster) The life and plays of J.B. Priestley